Going deep solo?

[john_tn]

I'm relatively new to elk hunting. I've went the past 2 years during early archery and consistently see good bulls at the location. I can't find a partner that is willing to hike the 4-5 miles to the spot(had a partner bail out on the mountain last year). I'm considering going it alone this year. Has anyone packed out an elk from that deep? I'm figuring on 2 days of packing when I kill one, I don't want to ruin the meat. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[justinspicher]

Where do you hunt, I'd join you depending on my schedule.

 

[BruinPoint]

If you do it smart and get the meat sorted into 3 loads, that's 30+ miles in 2 days, 15 of that with a good load, then another trip for camp. In 4 loads youre looking at 40/20mi plus camp. Not saying you can or can't, just saying that's the math.

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[weaver]

Its definitely possible but its gonna hurt.
Keep the meat in the shade and you'll be fine.

 

[john_tn]

Where do you hunt, I'd join you depending on my schedule.

I hunt in the Uncompahgre wilderness area in unit 65 near Ouray. This will be my third year in that unit

 

[Jason Snyder]

Not all miles are created equal.

Is there a trail? A good trail? How much elevation gain/loss? How is your fitness level? Do you know how to best store meat in the backcountry to keep it from spoiling?

If it's good traveling and moderate elevation gain and loss, I'd take that on any day. However, if it's steep with a lot of blowdown, and a lot of off trail travel, then I'd start to really think twice about it.

It really depends.

 

[john_tn]

If you do it smart and get the meat sorted into 3 loads, that's 30+ miles in 2 days, 15 of that with a good load, then another trip for camp. In 4 loads youre looking at 40/20mi plus camp. Not saying you can or can't, just saying that's the math.

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Yea the math looks intimidating. I debated on finding a new area a couple miles closer but that's a chore considering I live 20+ hours from elk country.

 

[john_tn]

It's smooth terrain mainly walking through open area to the hunting spot, it's just that it's mostly uphill on the way out. I do crossfit 5-6 days per week but the elevation(11000) makes it rough. I was going to put the deboned meat in game bags and keep it hanging in a tree until I got it packed out.

 

[john_tn]

Not all miles are created equal.

Is there a trail? A good trail? How much elevation gain/loss? How is your fitness level? Do you know how to best store meat in the backcountry to keep it from spoiling?

If it's good traveling and moderate elevation gain and loss, I'd take that on any day. However, if it's steep with a lot of blowdown, and a lot of off trail travel, then I'd start to really think twice about it.

It really depends.

It's smooth terrain mainly walking through open area to the hunting spot, it's just that it's mostly uphill on the way out. I do crossfit 5-6 days per week but the elevation(11000) makes it rough. I was going to put the deboned meat in game bags and keep it hanging in a tree until I got it packed out

 

[justinspicher]

I just moved to a small town near Durango, so I can definitely go out and hang out if you get me the dates. I'll even have my own tag and gear. Give me a holler and we will get this figured out!

 

[Jarhead]

I've been hunting that wilderness area for years and have never found a spot I would classify as relatively smooth. Good for you finding one! I've packed 4.25 miles out of there with a bull. When you're done go straight to the hot springs in Ouray. You'll need it. Every year I say I'll never do it agin. But I do. Good luck!

 

[Poser]

4.5 miles near Ouray? Pfft. Not far from them, I've spent 4.5 hours just to hike 1.5 miles. Obviously you know the area, but as far as elk hunting goes, that likely as steep and rugged as it gets. 40/20 miles may sound like a stout challenge sitting back in the month of June, but just might break your soul come Sept.

 

[IdahoElk]

If you do it smart and get the meat sorted into 3 loads, that's 30+ miles in 2 days, 15 of that with a good load, then another trip for camp. In 4 loads youre looking at 40/20mi plus camp. Not saying you can or can't, just saying that's the math.

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By the 10th page of this thread I predict no less than 30 guys that will tell you they've done it and not lost an ounce of meat.

 

[dreamingbig]

How long does it take you to get in there? For example we hunt 5.8 miles in but it is only an one hour, forty five minute stroll on good maintained trail. We took a spike out in one trip before. It can be done. However I have also seen guys lose most of a bull in just as deep but that was due to their lack of prep and lack of plan. I sure wish I could turn back time and volunteer to help them out.

Some good suggestions and thoughts on here. I will add that we can usually hang it over night as temps are routinely in mid 30s if not slightly below freezing mark.

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.


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[LandYacht]

By the 10th page of this thread I predict no less than 30 guys that will tell you they've done it and not lost an ounce of meat.

29 left

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[SHTF]

I just moved to a small town near Durango, so I can definitely go out and hang out if you get me the dates. I'll even have my own tag and gear. Give me a holler and we will get this figured out!

Justin is a top performance dude. He can handle most anything you throw at him. I would completely consider this offer. He's an awesome dude to boot and fun to have around.

 

[Elkangle]

I'm new here but not new to the backcountry game

For what it's worth I'd highly recommend getting a partner for elk hunting....4-5 miles isn't that far but what if it's 6 ?? Are you really going to pass up a bull because he's too far ?? What if he turns out to be a freak and you end up with 350#s of boned out meat pluss another 70 of horns and cape ?? That's 420 pounds for one man to carry....even if the country allowed you to pack 105 pounds a load, that's a lot of miles

I once shot a pretty decent bull in a really deep nasty drainage....3 trips between two guys....so 6 trips out of that hole !! 17 hours of packing.....no way would you wana share that misery alone...

Packing aside...just the first step of cutting up a big mature bull is a chore even with two people..think about if your 1000 pound elk ends up on a steep hill wrapped around a tree ?? Have fun processing that by your self ! (True story)

And the Final thing is its way easier to kill elk with two people than it is one so definitely ask around and go on a couple hunting dates to try and find a good partner in crime....if you do go in solo just do your best to be realistic..definitely do the 2-3 mile mark until you get a good feel for the work load ahead of you...odds are youl still end up shooting one at 4 lol

Just my two cents, good luck !

 

[justinspicher]

Justin is a top performance dude. He can handle most anything you throw at him. I would completely consider this offer. He's an awesome dude to boot and fun to have around.

Thanks for the kind words James!

The reality is that I just want to get out more and I'll use any excuse to do it. Seriously though, give me a holler and we can do this.

 

[Bulldawg]

How long does it take you to get in there? For example we hunt 7 miles in but it is only an one hour, forty five minute stroll on good maintained trail. We took a spike out in one trip before. It can be done. However I have also seen guys lose most of a bull in just as deep but that was due to their lack of prep and lack of plan. I sure wish I could turn back time and volunteer to help them out.

Some good suggestions and thoughts on here. I will add that we can usually hang it over night as temps are routinely in mid 30s if not slightly below freezing mark.

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.


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No offense man but less than 2 hours for 7 miles with a pack most likely weighing around 40 pounds? I don't believe it, not very reasonable.

I would venture to say that 95% of people hiking with a pack on in the mountains won't make it more than 4.5 miles in an hour and forty five minutes.

 

[dreamingbig]

You don't have to believe it. You didn't ask about elevation change of which there is little. Pretty flat walk.

I guess the outlier is that the green trails map that quotes the distance could be wrong. I have never bothered to confirm if their measurements are correct.


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